Pressure mounts on ezinkomo

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday January 29, 2010 00:00

Since the season started, Ezinkomo have struggled to make their mark in the topflight and already some pundits have started writing their obituary. Fears that BMC may not survive the chop have been worsened by the club's early exit from the prestigious Coca-Cola Cup after a 3-1 humbling by First Division side, Miscellaneous in Serowe at the weekend. Even the credentials of head coach Mike Sithole who arrived from champions Gaborone United (GU) with a big reputation, has come under the microscope with many thinking that he might get the boot. After 15 matches, BMC have only accumulated seven points and with the kind of players in their camp, this is unacceptable.  The fact that tomorrow's opponents and bitter rivals are doing well, does not augur well with those in the green and white half of Lobatse. To launch their revival, BMC know that they have to get maximum points against the on-form Mapantsula. In their last encounter on January 9, the two sides played to a goalless draw at the same venue before a capacity crowd.

Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Sithole said: 'We do not want to be reminded about what we need to do. We are aware that the second round is kicking off and we have to start getting points immediately and everyone from the management, technical staff, players and supporters know what is at stake. I don't want to put pressure on my players but they know they have to start delivering.' Sithole said people must not read too much in the defeat against Miscellaneous because they were robbed by dubious refereeing. The Zambian tactician said that playing Gunners in a derby is different from what happens in other matches.

The game marks the return of Zambian striker, Owen Mwendabai who was red-carded on his debut for Ezinkomo against Gunners early this month. The striker was dismissed after allegedly elbowing defender Emmanuel Nlu. He was booed off the field. The clash presents Mwendabai with a chance to get revenge against Gunners and prove to sceptics that he is a good striker. Kenanao 'Flo' Kgetholetsile, Thebe Maiketso and Derrick Badibanga are some of the players in the BMC's line-up who can spoil the day for Mapantsula.

Gunners' supporters will attend the game with high expectations after seeing their side drub Jwaneng Comets 5-1 in the Coca-Cola Cup last Sunday. The mood in the Gunners' camp has been high this season as their side has been dishing out good football which has seen them occupy third spot midway through the campaign. Mapantsula have 31 points, seven adrift of log leaders, Township Rollers. Gunners cannot be blamed for fancying their chances of sneaking in ahead of Rollers and second-placed Mochudi Centre Chiefs in case the two falter. Coach Daniel Nare said that they have to be cautious going into the game against BMC. 'People should expect an improvement from our goalless draw against BMC early this year. We have managed to play a few games and scored goals along the way. We want to carry on where we left against Comets last weekend. It is important for us not to be complacent and the players have to go all out to prove that last weekend's result was not a fluke,' he said. Nare pointed out that all his players are available except striker Monametsi 'Sunday' Kelebale who is said to be attending an interview at BCL Mine in Phikwe.

Reports yesterday linked Kelebale with a move back to Nico United. Former Under-23 midfielder Kemmy 'Gweru' Pilato returns from a groin injury which has seen him miss most of the season. Kick-off is at 3.30pm.